The phrase "as we chatted earlier" is correct and usable in written English. It can be used when referring to something that was discussed in a previous conversation. For example, "As we chatted earlier, I think we should move forward with the project."
As we chatted earlier in the week he revealed for the first time the slightest concern for his own wellbeing.
Sue welcomed us and, as we chatted, showed us some childhood photos, since we were interested in trying to reconstruct her early visual history.
She was an adult entertainer early in her life, posing for magazines, doing live shows," he started as we chatted near the bar of the Bootsy Bellows venue located at the "end" of Sunset Strip at 9229 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif.
"I caught him smelling my hair on the subway, and as we chatted waiting for the show to begin he brought up things that happened on our very first date, seven years earlier," Ms. de Trabuc recalled.
As we chatted, I prodded myself mentally, searching for the familiar hurt and ill will.
But as we chatted over wine and fruitcake, I quickly warmed to the idea.
As we chatted, I decided that he was actually rather charming.
As we chatted, we were joined by the Conservative Culture Minister Ed Vaizey.
As we chatted there were immediate vibes.
He smiles as we chat.
As we chat, a siren goes off in the distance.
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Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union